Monday, September 21, 2009

MY TOWN MONDAY

CreperiePark Shelton

Leopold's books

The Detroit environs is now the site of many disappearing shops. Even in Royal Oak, the hippest suburb, I counted dozens of empty store fronts yesterday.

But in the midst of all this--and in Detroit itself-- two new businesses have opened, poised between Wayne State University and the College for Creative Studies. They are also across from the Art Institute. I can't tell you how much I admire these young people taking a chance on Detroit.

Leopold's Books, owned and manned by University of Chicago MA graduate, Greg Lenhoff, has the coolest assortment of books you will ever find in a small space. Their common strand is they are dark, arty, different. Lots of graphic comics, art magazines, journals, new editions of classics by Chandler et al, Michigan authors. Just the sort of place to find something for the cool guy or woman in your life. The space itself is attractive with high ceilings, dark walls, wood floors, huge window onto Woodward Avenue. Leopoldsbooks@gmail.com for more information. Or call 313-875-4677. He's open all the time. Go in and say hello.

Plopped right next door to Leopald's isGOOD GIRLS GO TO PARIS CREPES, a second location for the business in midtown Detroit. A huge selection of delicious crepes, reasonably priced and made from scratch. Also a spanking new facility. Long hours, too.

You could do worse than spend some time in these spots after a trip to the Art Museum, Historical Museum across the street, the Museum of African-American History or the Detroit Science Center.

Both of these shops are located on the street level of THE PARK SHELTON, formerly apartments and now a new condo in the area.

Both places are at 15 E. Kirby, on the Woodward side.

For more MY TOWN MONDAY POST, GO HERE WHERE CLAIR DICKSON KEEPS TRACK OF THEM.

Patricia (Patti) Abbott

Contact me

at aa2579@wayne.edu

About Me

Patricia Abbott is the author of more than 125 stories that have appeared online, in print journals and in various anthologies. She is the author of two ebooks, MONKEY JUSTICE and HOME INVASION and co-editor of DISCOUNT NOIR. She won a Derringer award for her story "My Hero." She lives outside Detroit.

CONCRETE ANGEL

Polis Books, 2015

CONCRETE ANGEL

An atmospheric and eagerly awaited debut novel from acclaimed crime writer Patricia Abbott, set in Philadelphia in the 1970s about a family torn apart by a mother straight out of Mommie Dearest, and her children who are at first victims but soon learn they must fight back to survive. Eve Moran has always wanted “things” and has proven both inventive and tenacious in getting and keeping them. Eve lies, steals, cheats, swindles, and finally commits murder, paying little heed to the cost of her actions on those who love her. Her daughter, Christine, compelled by love, dependency, and circumstance, is caught up in her mother’s deceptions, unwilling to accept the viciousness that runs in her mother's blood. Eve’s powers of seduction are hard to resist for those who come in contact with her toxic allure. It’s only when Christine’s three-year old brother, Ryan, begins to prove useful to her mother, and she sees a pattern repeating itself, that Christine finds the courage and means to bring an end to Eve’s tyranny.